What is the specific operation process of agency import and export?

Customs inspection basis:Agency export,When selecting service providers, the following documents need to be verified:

• Import and Export Operating Rights Certificate: Check the customs registration number (10-digit customs registration number)
• Foreign Exchange Administration records: Confirm qualification for the foreign exchange income and expenditure enterprise directory for goods trade
• Export tax refundQualified: Require tax refund classification management certificate issued by the tax bureau
• Industry Certification: Prioritize enterprises holding AEO certification or ISO28000 certification

Case: In 2022, a companys $1.5 million payment was stranded in an overseas account for 8 months due to the agency companys lack of foreign exchange directory qualification.

Which contract clauses are prone to hidden risks?

According to international trade practices, the contract elements that must be clarified include:

• Definition of trade terms:
  • Clarification of applicable conditions for EXW/FOB/CIF price terms
  • Specification of transportation insurance purchaser and compensation beneficiary
• Document flow responsibilities:
  • Commercial invoice and packing list preparation standards
  • Time limit for certificate of origin application (recommended 7 working days before shipment)
• Breach of contract compensation mechanism:
  • Allocation ratio of port demurrage caused by document errors
  • Interest calculation method for tax refund delays (recommended reference to LPR rate)

Export tax refundHow to avoid financial risks in the process?

According to the latest policies in 2025, special attention should be paid to:

• Management of special VAT invoices:
  • Require agents to provide screenshots of input invoice verification system
  • Invoice issuance date must not be later than customs declaration date
• Completeness of tax refund documents:
  • Must obtainExport foreign exchange verification form with bank signature and seal
  • Ocean bill of lading must show CY-CY terms (full container handover)
• Fund escrow solution:
  • Recommend using third-party escrow accounts for tax refund custody
  • Agree on maximum advance period for tax refund by agents (usually not exceeding 90 days)

How to prevent international trade settlement risks?

Response strategies for different payment methods:

• Letter of credit transactions:
  • Require the agent to provideSWIFT key verification service
  • Clarify responsibility for discrepancy handling fees
• DP/DA collection:
  • Agree on responsibility for bill discounting after documents against acceptance
  • Require agents to purchase export credit insurance
• T/T telegraphic transfer:
  • Recommended prepayment ratio not less than 30%
  • Final payment requires submission ofCopy of bill of ladingScanned copy

How to handle special trade situations?

Recommended responses for the following situations:

• Sample export:
  • Require the agent to declare the goods value separately (recommended not to exceed USD 600)
  • The manufacturer issues a special VAT invoice to the trading company
• Returned goods:
  • Must provide an official quality inspection report from overseas (requires certification by an embassy/consulate)
  • The return agreement must specify the time node for re-export after repair
• Cross-border e-commerce B2B export:
  • Confirm the agent has 9710/9810 declaration qualifications
  • Logistics tracking must be synchronized in real-time with the declaration platform data